Last updated October 2026
For riders based in Gisborne, the Motu Trails begin at Matawai, the settlement on State Highway 2 where the Motu Road heads over the ranges towards Ōpōtiki. This Ngā Haerenga Great Ride is made up of three trails, which can be linked into a 91 km loop over two to three days.
The Motu Road Trail is the one that reaches Matawai: 67 km, grade 3 and mostly gravel, with more downhill than up when you ride from Matawai towards the coast. The other two, the Pākihi Track and the Dunes Trail, are at the Ōpōtiki end in the Bay of Plenty.
Practical Information
- Start (Gisborne side)
- Matawai, inland end of the Motu Road
- Other end
- Ōpōtiki
- Ride type
- Ngā Haerenga Great Ride: three trails, or a 91 km loop
- Riding time
- 2 to 3 days for the loop
- Motu Road Trail
- 67 km, grade 3 (intermediate), 4 to 7 hours, mostly gravel, high point 750 m
- Pākihi Track
- 44 km, grade 4 (advanced), 3 to 6 hours, one way only from the Motu Road end
- Dunes Trail
- 20 km return, grade 2 (easy), 1.5 to 3 hours
- Facilities
- Two shelters on the Motu Road, toilets at each end of the Motu Road, a shop at Matawai and no shops on the Motu Road until the coast
- Listed by
- Gisborne District Council (walkways and cycleways page)
- Status
- Check the Motu Trails conditions page for current closures before you ride
About Motu Trails
From Gisborne, the way in to the Motu Trails is through Matawai. Ngā Haerenga puts the village at about 500 m above sea level, and the Motu Road reaches a high point of 750 m on the way over, so riding from Matawai towards the coast gives you more downhill than up.
The Motu Road Trail is mostly gravel, though the last 14 km into Matawai is a quiet, slightly uphill sealed road. Ngā Haerenga grades it 3 and allows four to seven hours. There are two shelters along the road and no shops between Matawai and the coast, so stock up before you leave.
At the Ōpōtiki end the Great Ride changes character. The Pākihi Track is a grade 4 ride of 44 km, with 20 km of singletrack, and cyclists must start from the Motu Road end.
Ngā Haerenga’s own words are “Do not ride Pakihi Track during/soon after a storm”, because slips and falling rocks and trees are more likely then. The Dunes Trail is an easy grade 2 ride of 20 km return. Put together with the Motu Road, the three make a 91 km loop over two or three days.
Gisborne District Council includes the Motu Trails on its walkways and cycleways page, describing them as running from Matawai via the Old Coach Road to the Dunes Trail at Tirohanga.
Starting at Matawai
Matawai has a shop, and there are toilets at each end of the Motu Road. If you are coming from the city, the trip to Matawai is itself a ride: the Rere Falls Trail runs between Matawai and Gisborne.
Linking with the Rere Falls Trail
Ngā Haerenga calls the Motu Trails “an important link for road tourers and bikepackers” heading through Tairāwhiti on the Rere Falls Trail, the 103 km Heartland Ride between Matawai and Gisborne. Tapuwae Tairāwhiti Trails Trust puts the coast-to-coast ride from Gisborne to Ōpōtiki, using the Rere Falls Trail and the Motu Road Trail, at 180 km.
Where to Learn More
Ngā Haerenga New Zealand Cycle Trails: Motu Trails: the three trails, maps, grades and services.
Motu Trails: Trail conditions: current conditions on the Motu Road, Pākihi Track and Dunes Trail.
Gisborne District Council: Walkways and cycleways: the council’s list of trails in Tairāwhiti, including the Motu Trails.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I start the Motu Trails from the Gisborne side?
Yes. The Motu Road Trail reaches Matawai, on State Highway 2 inland from Gisborne.
How long is the Motu Road Trail?
It is 67 km, mostly on gravel, graded 3, and takes four to seven hours.
Is it uphill from Matawai?
Mostly not. Matawai is about 500 m above sea level, so riding towards the coast has more downhill than up, though the road reaches 750 m at its high point.
How long does the whole Great Ride take?
The three trails can be linked into a 91 km loop over two to three days.
Which is the hardest part?
The Pākihi Track, a 44 km grade 4 ride that cyclists must start from the Motu Road end.
Is there an easy option?
The Dunes Trail at the Ōpōtiki end is grade 2 and 20 km return.
Does it connect to other rides?
Yes. At Matawai it links with the Rere Falls Trail, which runs to Gisborne.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.